

No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp
Tokens Media
Exploring what it means to live a good life. What does it mean to live a good life? What is true happiness? What are the habits, practices, and dispositions that contribute to authentic human flourishing? No Small Endeavor examines these questions with host Lee C. Camp. You'll hear from best-selling authors, philosophers, scientists, artists, psychologists, theologians and even the occasional politician—courageous, impassioned people taking seriously the question of how to live a good life. Striving for a good life is No Small Endeavor, and we’re here with you on the road. Learn more at nosmallendeavor.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 54min
141: David Brooks: Can We Save Society By Knowing Each Other?
New York Times columnist David Brooks joins the podcast to discuss the social crisis we're facing, emphasizing the importance of deep connections and understanding. He explores the moral act of attention and the power of witnessing and being seen in friendship. The episode also addresses the loneliness epidemic, teaching social skills, and how to support someone with depression.

Jan 30, 2024 • 1h 20min
140: Unabridged Interview: John Dear
This is our unabridged episode with John Dear.
How do you live a good life in a world of 30 wars, 13,000 nuclear weapons, 4 billion people in poverty, racism, gun violence, child hunger, and catastrophic climate change?
This is the question posed by activist and Catholic priest John Dear. For years, John has taken part in peace movements alongside folks like Coretta King, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Desmond Tutu.
In this episode, he has some unbelievable stories that answer his question in a provocative way. To live a good life, he argues, you cannot support war, nuclear weapons, or violence. “To do the good,” in his words, “means to stop the killing.”
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
The Architect of the American Civil Rights Movement: James Lawson
The Business of War: Justin Barringer
Martin Sheen: Actor and Activist
Resources mentioned this episode:
German Catholics and Hitler’s Wars by Gordon Zahn
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Nonviolent Life by John Dear
The Beatitudes Center
John Dear’s website
Transcript for Abridged Episode
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8 snips
Jan 25, 2024 • 54min
140: John Dear: How To Be Nonviolent (Best of NSE)
How do you live a good life in a world of 30 wars, 13,000 nuclear weapons, 4 billion people in poverty, racism, gun violence, child hunger, and catastrophic climate change?
This is the question posed by activist and Catholic priest John Dear. For years, John has taken part in peace movements alongside folks like Coretta King, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Desmond Tutu.
In this episode, he has some unbelievable stories that answer his question in a provocative way. To live a good life, he argues, you cannot support war, nuclear weapons, or violence. “To do the good,” in his words, “means to stop the killing.”
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
The Architect of the American Civil Rights Movement: James Lawson
The Business of War: Justin Barringer
Martin Sheen: Actor and Activist
Resources mentioned this episode:
German Catholics and Hitler’s Wars by Gordon Zahn
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Nonviolent Life by John Dear
The Beatitudes Center
John Dear’s website
Transcription Link
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book | Joy & the Good Life Course
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 20min
139: Unabridged Interview: Martin Sheen
This is our unabridged interview with Martin Sheen.
In this episode, Lee sits down with the former President of the United States…
At least, that’s how many listeners may know Martin Sheen, an award-winning actor known for his roles in “Apocalypse Now” and “The Departed,” and perhaps most famously for playing President Jed Bartlet in the hit TV series “The West Wing.”
But offscreen, Martin is perhaps best described as an ardent Catholic peace activist who has been arrested over 60 times. In this episode, he tells his whole story, full of humor and grace all the way from his childhood, to his acting career, to activism alongside James Lawson and John Dear, and much more.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
The Architect of The American Civil Rights Movement: James Lawson
Taking the Beatitudes Seriously: John Dear
Resources mentioned this episode:
The West Wing Cathedral Scene
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript for Abridged Episode
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book | Joy & the Good Life Course
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 18, 2024 • 54min
139: Martin Sheen: Actor and Activist (Best of NSE)
In this episode, Lee sits down with the former President of the United States…
At least, that’s how many listeners may know Martin Sheen, an award-winning actor known for his roles in “Apocalypse Now” and “The Departed,” and perhaps most famously for playing President Jed Bartlet in the hit TV series “The West Wing.”
But offscreen, Martin is perhaps best described as an ardent Catholic peace activist who has been arrested over 60 times. In this episode, he tells his whole story, full of humor and grace all the way from his childhood, to his acting career, to activism alongside James Lawson and John Dear, and much more.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
The Architect of The American Civil Rights Movement: James Lawson
Taking the Beatitudes Seriously: John Dear
Resources mentioned this episode:
The West Wing Cathedral Scene
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcription Link
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book | Joy & the Good Life Course
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 16, 2024 • 2h 19min
138: Unabridged Interview: James Lawson
This is our unabridged interview with James Lawson.
The US Civil Rights Movement, like Gandhi's Indian Independence Movement, was famously set apart by its employment of non-violent resistance methods. But have you ever wondered how such a movement was possible on so large a scale?
In this episode, we are honored to have the man who Martin Luther King Jr. called friend, mentor, and the very conscience and architect of the Civil Rights Movement: Reverend James Lawson.
Now in his 90’s, he discusses the United States’ past and present, and what it took to organize a whole population across the country to fight back without throwing a punch.
“We started the public desegregation of the nation,” he says, “and we did it without hating anybody.”
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Eddie Glaude: On James Baldwin’s America
Dr. Fred Gray: Doing Justice Alongside MLK and Rosa Parks
Martin Sheen: Actor and Activist
Resources mentioned this episode:
Fellowship Of Reconciliation (F.O.R.)
Rev. James Lawson’s Church: Holman United Methodist
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript for Abridged Episode
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book | Joy & the Good Life Course
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 11, 2024 • 55min
138: James Lawson: The Architect of the United States Civil Rights Movement (Best of NSE)
The US Civil Rights Movement, like Gandhi's Indian Independence Movement, was famously set apart by its employment of non-violent resistance methods. But have you ever wondered how such a movement was possible on so large a scale?
In this episode, we are honored to have the man who Martin Luther King Jr. called friend, mentor, and the very conscience and architect of the Civil Rights Movement: Reverend James Lawson.
Now in his 90’s, he discusses the United States’ past and present, and what it took to organize a whole population across the country to fight back without throwing a punch.
“We started the public desegregation of the nation,” he says, “and we did it without hating anybody.”
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Eddie Glaude: On James Baldwin’s America
Dr. Fred Gray: Doing Justice Alongside MLK and Rosa Parks
Martin Sheen: Actor and Activist
Resources mentioned this episode:
Fellowship Of Reconciliation (F.O.R.)
Rev. James Lawson’s Church: Holman United Methodist
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcription Link
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book | Joy & the Good Life Course
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9, 2024 • 57min
137: Unabridged Interview: Angela Duckworth
What do Olympic athletes, world-class artists, elite academics, and successful business executives have in common? Ivy League psychologist Angela Duckworth has spent her career researching this question, closely studying those folks at the top of their respective fields who are considered “high achievers.” Surprisingly, it turns out neither talent nor genius is the answer. “The common denominator,” she says, “is grit.”
In this episode, Angela Duckworth explains what she means by “grit,” discusses why it is such a crucial determinant for success, and offers highly practical methods for developing grit in one’s own life.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Time Management for Mortals: Oliver Burkeman
What it Takes to Live a Good Life: Meghan Sullivan
Resources mentioned this episode
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Character Lab
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcript for Abridged Episode
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book | Joy & the Good Life Course
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 4, 2024 • 54min
137: Angela Duckworth: Is Grit the Secret to Success? (Best of NSE)
What do Olympic athletes, world-class artists, elite academics, and successful business executives have in common? Ivy League psychologist Angela Duckworth has spent her career researching this question, closely studying those folks at the top of their respective fields who are considered “high achievers.” Surprisingly, it turns out neither talent nor genius is the answer. “The common denominator,” she says, “is grit.”
In this episode, Angela Duckworth explains what she means by “grit,” discusses why it is such a crucial determinant for success, and offers highly practical methods for developing grit in one’s own life.
Show Notes
Similar episodes:
Time Management for Mortals: Oliver Burkeman
What it Takes to Live a Good Life: Meghan Sullivan
Resources mentioned this episode
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Character Lab
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Episode Transcript
Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter
Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com
Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium
See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book | Joy & the Good Life Course
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 2, 2024 • 1h 6min
136: Unabridged Interview: Elise Hu
This is our unabridged episode with Elise Hu.
What is beauty, and what role should it play in our lives?
Beauty has long been seen as one the three “transcendentals” (along with truth and goodness) which have been valued at all times, in all places, by all cultures. But these days, the word “beauty” is often equated with standards of bodily presentation that, in an increasingly globalized and technological world, are reachable only by extreme measures of constant labor or cosmetic surgery.
In this episode, Elise asks the question we’re all thinking: is that version of beauty good for us? She discusses her experience in a beauty-obsessed Korean culture, its effects on both women and men, and what a healthy relationship with beauty might look like.
Show Notes:
Similar episodes
The Price of the Pursuit of Pleasure: Anna Lembke
Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: Eugene Cho
Resources mentioned this episode
Flawless by Elise Hu
PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
Transcription Link for Abridged Episode
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Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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